General purpose illuminator assembly

• US 5,102,362 A
• Filed: 05/01/1991
• Issued: 04/07/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mueller and Smith
• Original Assignee: Progenics Corporation
• Inventors: Denen, Dennis J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramsey, Kenneth J.
• Application Number:
  US07/694,243
• Time in Patent Office: 342 Days
• Field of Search: 445/22, 339/715, 339/611, 339/613, 140/71 R
• US Class Current: 445/22
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 2/00 Systems of electric lighting devices systems employing both electric and non-electric light sources or exchangeable light sources F21L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/008 Leisure, hobby or sport articles, e.g. toys, games or first-aid kits; Hand tools; Toolboxes
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/362 Arrows or darts F42B12/38 takes precedence, having means for implantation, e.g. hypodermic projectiles F42B12/54; arrows or darts in general F42B6/00

Abstract

An illuminator assembly is disclosed which is formed from a light emitting diode (LED) having two electrode pins extending therefrom which are cut to predetermined lengths. One lead then is formed to provide a circularly shaped spring support base and the other lead is bent to provide an attachment portion extending through the center of the opening formed by the spring support base. A capture spring of conical configuration then is attached to the centrally disposed lead which extends through the spring support base opening. A compressible coil switching spring then is attached to the spring support base. The assemblage thus formed is employed with a battery of a variety having a forward face which engages the free end of the switching spring and which includes a rod shaped electrode extending from the center portion thereof. Upon providing relative mutually approaching movement of a battery and illuminator assembly, the rod-like cathode is engaged by the capture spring and an electrical circuit is completed to illuminate the LED. Conversely, the releasing or reverse movement under the drive imparted by the switching spring switches the assemblage to an open circuit condition.

Claims

1. The method for making an illuminator assembly for use with a battery having an electrode defining outer surface of given outer diameter and a centrally disposed rod shaped electrode extending outwardly from said forward face, comprising the steps of:

providing a light emitting diode having a diode portion with a rearward face and first and second electrode pins extending therefrom;

cutting said first electrode pin to a predetermined length effective to form a spring support base at a base location;

cutting said second electrode pin to a predetermined length effective to provide a centrally disposed mounting portion;

bending said second electrode pin to position said mounting portion centrally of said diode portion;

bending said first electrode pin at said base location to form said spring support base within which a base opening is provided through which said second electrode pin extends;

providing a compressible coil capture spring of generally conical configuration having a connecting end of predetermined internal diameter and an oppositely disposed capture end of predetermined outer diameter and dimensioned to receive said rod-shaped electrode;

attaching said capture spring connecting end to said second electrode pin mounting portion;

providing a compressible coil switching spring having an inner diameter greater than said capture spring capture end outer diameter;

positioning said switching spring substantially over said capture spring; and

attaching one end of said switching spring to said spring support base.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step for cutting said second electrode pin provides a said predetermined length effective to position said mounting portion through and beyond said base opening.

3. The method of claim 1 in which said step for bending said first electrode pin forms said spring support base as a circle along a plane parallel to said diode portion rearward face.

4. The method of claim 1 in which said step for attaching said capture spring connecting end to said second electrode pin mounting portion is carried out by soldering.

5. The method of claim 1 in which said step for attaching said switching spring to said spring support base is carried out;

by soldering.